10 Day River Cruise Paris to Arles

Start your vacation in France with a visit to Paris, "The City of Lights." Choose between classic guided sightseeing, or a guided bike tour to see the highlights of Paris from a unique point of view.

After your stay in Paris, join us for an Active Discovery river cruise on the Rhone River. You'll find a wealth of activities and excursions that speak to your interests! Begin in Lyon-the gastronomic capital of France-where the choice is yours: join a cooking, or take a guided hike tour to see the impressive urban park, or enjoy a Culinary Walking Tour.

In the twin city of Tournon/Tain l'Hermitage, experience a rail-bike, or join a cooking class, or visit a chocolate museum to create your own chocolate bar. You'll see natural wonders along the way, with choices during your cruise through Viviers and Lock Bollène. Explore spectacular River canyons for canoeing, the natural reserve at Circque d'Estre, and even wine-tasting in a cave. You may choose to check out a crocodile farm, and take an evening ghost-story tour of Viviers. Sail to Avignon for e-bike riding, or a visit to a perfume museum.

Next, your Active Discovery cruise on the Rhone River takes you to the inspirational locale of Arles-a subject of Van Gogh's paintings, and home to hiking trails, light shows, and painting workshops. Sail to Port-Saint-Louis for a jam-packed day of active tours and opportunities for discovery, including a hike or bike through the Camargue Regional Nature Park, or you can even discover the art of oyster farming at a local farm.

See France in another light on your scenic river cruise on the Rhone River. Bring your interests and passions along to enjoy the variety of Active Discovery experiences that speak to you!

Cruise at-a-Glance

Day 1 Paris: Welcome to France! Day 2 Paris: Choice of city sightseeing, or bike tour in ParisDay 3 Paris-Lyon (Embarkation): Onboard welcome reception Day 4 Lyon: Choice of culinary tour, or traditional Saucisson brioché culinary workshop, or guided hike in Parc de la Tête d'OrDay 5 Tain l'hermitage/Tournon-Viviers: Choice of rail-bike tour along the Gorges du Doux, or guided hike in the vineyards, or guided tour of Tournon, or tour of the Valrhona factory and museum with workshop and chocolate tasting; Lyonnaise specialties cooking demonstration; evening guided tour in ViviersDay 6 Viviers-Avignon: In Avignon choice of guided canoe trip down the Gorges de l'Ardèche, or guided hike in the Natural Reserve of Cirque d'Estre, or visit lock Bollène and its power plant, or guided speleological excursion with wine tasting in the caves, or visit a Crocodile Farm Day 7 Avignon: Choice of guided tour, or guided bike tour with wine tasting, or guided tour at the Museum of Aromas and Perfume Day 8 Arles: Choice of guided tour in Arles, meet a bullfighter, or guided hike through the Hell Valley with a visit to Carrières de Lumière, or painting workshopDay 9 Port-Saint-Louis: Choice of excursion to a local oyster farm with tasting, or either guided hike or bike tour through the Camargue Regional Natural ParkDay 10 Arles (Disembarkation): Your vacation ends this morning

Always Included

You've always forged your own path...with your own distinct perspective of looking at the world. Avalon Waterways presents a river cruise experience with your unique style in mind-offering expansive views and wider perspectives. That's why we've designed a cruise experience that's just a bit different.

Here are just some of the features and amenities you'll experience on board our Avalon ships. See the Ship Amenities Section below for more information about the amenities in our fleet's unique ships.

Throughout the Ship:

Complimentary Wi-Fi

Panoramic windows

Elegant, contemporary design & decor

Friendly, English-speaking crew & Cruise Director

Sky Deck with whirlpool, shade awnings, game area and premium lounges

Covered Observation Lounge

Club Lounge with 24-hour self-serve beverage station with complimentary cappuccinos, lattes, tea, hot chocolate & premium coffees, as well as treats throughout the day

Suites & Staterooms:

Comfort Collection BedsSM with choice of mattress firmness

Egyptian super-combed cotton linens

Bathrobes & slippers

Premium L'Occitane bath products

Large bathroom featuring shower with glass door

Flatscreen satellite TV with free movie channels

Individual climate control and in-room safe

Complimentary bottled water daily

And, much more.

Health & Fitness:

Bikes

Canoe, kayak and jogging excursions

Maps for hiking, biking and jogging routes

Fitness and wellness activities

Fitbits®

All through your Avalon Adventure HostSM

Dining

FlexDiningSM for more venue and seating options, including flexible seating times in our main Dining Room

Avalon FreshSM healthy cuisine options at every meal

Complimentary sparkling wine with breakfast; wine, beer, or soft drinks with every lunch and dinner

Daily four-course a la carte dinner in the main Dining Room with choice of appetizers, soups, salads, entrees and desserts. Includes selections of regional recipes, Western dishes and vegetarian options.

Panorama Lounge featuring premium spirits and Avalon specialty cocktails, along with local entertainment special guests

Cocktails available on the Sky Deck

Fresh fruit available throughout the day

AVALON CHOICE

Avalon has designed included activities with a choice of experiences. We invite you to select the tours, activities, and events that interest you most, so you can experience your cruise your way. There are 3 types of included shore excursion on every Europe cruise: Classic Your local expert is ready to guide you through the history and heritage of local destinations. You'll marvel at the legends, lore, and spectacular architecture of iconic and historic sites. Discovery We've found inspiring and interactive activities to speak to your interests - from cooking classes, to painting workshops - to immerse yourself in each culture you explore. Active Embark on energetic excursions to keep you in motion and on the go - from a guided jogging tour of Amsterdam, to biking, paddling, and hiking your way through scenic locales.

Day-By-Day Itinerary

Day 1

PARIS, FRANCE

Welcome to Paris! The day is yours to explore the City of Lights at your leisure. Consider browsing along Paris' classic shopping avenues and literary cafés for a true Parisian experience.

Day 2

(B)

PARIS

Join a Guided Sightseeing which will show you magnificent must-see sights. Alternatively, join a Guided Biking Tour which will reveal some of the highlights of Paris-such as the Eiffel Tower and Place de la Concorde-from a different point of view; enjoy a peaceful break on the Seine river banks.

Day 3

(B, D)

PARIS-LYON (EMBARKATION)

Board the TGV train to Lyon where your Suite Ship® is ready for boarding.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN LYON

Day 4

(B, L, D)

LYON

A Festival of Colors, Aromas, and Taste Active Join a Guided Hike of Parc de la Tête d'Or, a vast urban park with many trails and lake, OR: Discovery Take a Guided Culinary Walk through Lyon to discover architecture and local specialties in a festival of colors, aromas and taste-exclusive for Avalon guests, OR: Discovery Learn to make your own Saucisson brioché and other local culinary favorites in a Cooking Class.

This afternoon, you might take an off-the-beaten-path Guided Optional Tour through private and public terraces for panoramic views of Lyon, starting on the roof of the Basilica de Fourvière, or you may opt for a Guided Optional Mountain Bike Excursion through the Beaujolais wine country.

EVENING CRUISE TO TAIN L'HERMITAGE/TOURNON

Day 5

(B, L, D)

TAIN L'HERMITAGE/TOURNON

Chocolatiers and Railway Engineers in the Twin City Gorge Active Join a Guided Excursion this morning to pedal your rail-bike along the descent of the Gorges du Doux for a panoramic view, OR: Active Join a Guided Hike in the picturesque vineyards surrounding the twin cities of Tournon and Tain-l'Hermitage, OR: Discovery Take a full tour of the Valrhona factory and museum. Taste chocolate, and also make your own signature chocolate bar, OR: Classic Take a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Tournon-twin city to Tain-l'Hermitage and one of France's oldest medieval cities. You'll see its imposing 16th-century castle and Roman ruins. Discovery Join a Cooking Demonstration and learn how to prepare Lyonnaise specialties while sailing to Viviers. VIVIERS

Fascinating History, and Nighttime Ghost Stories Discovery This evening, take a nighttime Guided Tour of Viviers to experience the fascinating history and ghost stories of this enchanting town.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN VIVIERS

Day 6

(B, L, D)

VIVIERS-LOCK BOLLÈNE

River Gorge Canoeing, Crocodiles, and Wine Caves Active Join a Guided Canoe Trip to navigate the Gorges de l'Ardèche in the spectacular canyons of this Rhone tributary, OR: Active Take a guided hike through the Natural Reserve of Cirque d'Estre, OR: Active Join a Guided Visit for a surprising underground Wine Tasting-under the direction of an expert Speleologist (cave guide) and an oenologist (wine-making expert), OR: Discovery Visit a Crocodile Farm and discover the wonderful world of reptiles-not only crocodiles, but also snakes, turtles, iguanas, and an amazing botanical garden, OR: Classic Visit the tremendous water facility at Bollène and tour the power plant of this immense lock along the Rhone.

Cruise through the soaring walls of the Lock Bollène on your way to Avignon this afternoon.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN AVIGNON

Day 7

(B, L, D)

AVIGNON

Essential Oils and Ancient Roman Aqueducts Active Join a Guided E-Bike Ride through Tavel-birthplace of French Rosé. After the tour, enjoy a Wine Tasting, OR: Discovery Enjoy a Guided Tour of the Musée des Aromes et du Parfum to take in the fragrance of aromatic herbs and essential oils in this museum of aromas and perfumes, and create your own unique scent, OR: Classic Take a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Avignon, including a visit to the world's largest gothic fortress-the 14th-century Palace of the Popes. Also, explore Les Halles' covered market.

This afternoon, you may choose to join a Guided Optional Tour of the famed wine cellars of Chateauneuf-du-Pape for a wine tasting, as well as the chance to make your own wine blend, or you may opt for a Guided Optional Excursion on a canoe through the waters of Pont du Gard-the highest of all elevated Roman aqueducts.

You may choose to spend free time to explore Avignon-known as the heart of Provence. Take a leisurely stroll or a bike ride through the tree-lined streets and leafy squares within Avignon's medieval walls.

EVENING CRUISE TO ARLES

Day 8

(B, L, D)

ARLES

A Master Class, Mysterious Images, and a Matador in Provence Active Take a Guided Hike in Val d'Enfer, that takes its name from the strangeness of its white limestone rock formations; later be entranced by a magical Audio/Visual Experience of light, images, and music at the Carrières de Lumières, OR: Discovery Attend a Painting Workshop to learn the style and techniques of Vincent van Gogh. You'll create your own painting in the style of the classic master who took inspiration from the Provence light and landscape in Arles, OR: Classic Join a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Arles and meet a local bullfighter to learn about the secrets and traditions handed down through generations.

You may choose to join a Guided Optional Excursion to the natural salt marsh at Salin d'Aigues-Mortes, to discover the magic of the pink waters of the Camargue.

Alternatively, enjoy free time to shop, stroll, or stretch out on a bench in a lovely park along Arles' Boulevard des Lices.

Later, enjoy onboard live entertainment.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN ARLES

Day 9

(B, L, D)

PORT-SAINT-LOUIS

Oysters and Flamingos in the Rhone Delta

Enjoy a morning cruise to Port-Saint-Louis on the Sky Deck of your ship. Active Join a Guided Hike through the Camargue Regional Nature Park. You'll see its lush marshland habitat at the mouth of the Rhone-home to a wide variety of flora and fauna-in one of France's most protected and natural reserves, OR: Active Take a Guided Bike Ride through the Camargue Natural Park with an eye out for more than 400 bird species-including pink flamingos-along the trails of the Mediterranean's Rhone delta, OR: Discovery Visit a local oyster farm on a Guided Tour to enjoy an oyster tasting and learn how this delicacy is farmed.

This evening, cruise back to Arles.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN ARLES

Day 10

(B)

ARLES (DISEMBARKATION)

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.

Flights should not leave Marseille airport before 10 am.

Notes

In the event of water level problems or any problems of a technical nature, it may be necessary to operate the itinerary by motorcoach or to alter the program.

Included visits and special features are subject to change. If a change is necessary, a substitute will be offered.

Please check visa requirements with your local consulate(s); responsibility for obtaining visas rests with the traveler.

Call 1 (800) 658-0869 for more information or to book today! Mention code 14258544

The following charges are not included in the land/cruise vacation price unless otherwise noted: airfare to and from the start of your vacation; intra-vacation air, unless specified in the itinerary; airline baggage fees including checked and/or excess baggage fees; Federal inspection fees for the Federal U.S. Customs and Immigrations; International Air Transportation tax; agricultural tax; other per person taxes imposed by government entities; airport taxes and fees, including the September 11th Security fee up to $11.20 per person, passenger facility charges up to $18 per person, Federal domestic flight segment fees up to $4.10 per segment, and U.S. and international arrival and departure and other government-imposed added by the airline and applicable at time of booking; port taxes; passports; visas and vaccinations; tips to your Cruise Director, Local Host, driver, Local Guides, and/or ship's crew; gratuities on ferries, trains, and cruise ships; laundry; telephone; minibar; alcohol, beverages, and food outside of the contracted Avalon menu as presented at a hotel or restaurant or onboard your vessel (these extra items will be billed to you before leaving the hotel, ship, or restaurant); airport transfers on non-qualifying flights; optional excursions; additional activities and excursions purchased online; porterage at airports and train stations; Travel Protection; and all other items of a personal nature.

Additional airline-imposed fees for seat assignments may apply and are not included in your total package cost. Please refer to carrier websites for seat assignment policies and applicable pricing.

Booking your Vacation with Air Our volume buying power saves you money. We may be able to provide you with flight arrangements from your gateway city. Avalon Waterways offers 2 air options: Flex Air and Instant Purchase Air. Early Airfare Price Guarantee locks in a price that is guaranteed not to increase. Air pricing and schedules are available approximately 330 days prior to last travel date in the itinerary. At that time the best air price will be utilized and a new invoice with the air cost and confirmed schedule will be sent. The identity of the carrier, which may include the carrier's codeshare partner, will be assigned and disclosed at this time. If the guaranteed price is the lowest, the schedule with the lowest fare per contracted classes of service will be booked. Any voluntary change to the confirmed flights negates the guaranteed price and is subject to air pricing at the time of the change.

Guaranteed air-inclusive prices - air is only available to passengers traveling from the United States and only available when booked in conjunction with a land vacation. An additional non-refundable air deposit of $300 per person is required for Flex Air booked in conjunction with any land vacation (i.e. air-inclusive vacation). Air can only be booked by Avalon in conjunction with a vacation package. Instant Purchase Air requires air payment in full at time of booking (i.e. air-inclusive vacation) plus a non-refundable per person service fee of $30 (North/Central America), $50 (Europe/Middle East) or $80 (all other international destinations). Once booked, Instant Purchase Air is non-refundable, and non-changeable. Some vacations may only offer one Air type option. However, once your airfare is confirmed and Avalon has received your full air and land deposit, your air-inclusive vacation price is guaranteed.

Air-Inclusive Vacations - Applicable Taxes & Fees Air-inclusive vacations include government-imposed taxes and fees applicable at the time of booking and will be shown as a Total Amount. Additional airline fees for baggage may apply. At the time of booking your air-inclusive vacation online, carrier Websites will be provided to check baggage fees, or you can visit www.iflybags.com for up-to-date baggage pricing/restrictions. For return travel from some countries, international travelers are required to pay entry and/or exit fees at the airport. These fees will be collected by the local government and are payable by the traveler at time of travel. Your confirmation booking information will contain information about these fees.